Candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Mowe, Ogun State, have raised concerns over the shortage of accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in the area, calling on authorities to urgently address the situation.
Several prospective candidates who spoke with reporters described the current arrangement as stressful and costly, noting that many are forced to travel long distances to neighbouring towns to sit for their examinations.
“I registered early, but the closest centre I got was far from Mowe,” said a candidate, who identified herself as Blessing Adebayo. “Transportation alone is a burden, not to talk of the stress of getting there on time.”
Beyond the travel challenges, candidates also face difficulties while waiting to be admitted into examination venues. In some parts of Mowe, residents have stepped in to assist by providing chairs and makeshift seating arrangements along the streets for candidates who often arrive hours before their scheduled time.
At one such location near a CBT centre, residents were seen arranging plastic chairs and benches outside their homes to accommodate candidates. Some even offered drinking water and shade to shield them from the sun.
“We see these children standing for hours, sometimes in harsh weather,” said Mrs. Funke Adeyemi, a resident who regularly supports candidates during exam periods. “The least we can do is give them somewhere to sit and rest while they wait.”
Parents have also expressed frustration, citing safety concerns and the financial strain of arranging transportation and accommodation for their children. Some noted that candidates are sometimes scheduled for early morning exams, requiring them to leave home before dawn.
A parent, Mr. Oladipo Ogunleye, said, “It is unfair that a growing community like Mowe has so few centres. Our children deserve better access to examination facilities.”
In response to the growing concerns, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ojajuni, paid a visit to some of the CBT centres in Mowe to assess the situation and ensure adequate security for candidates. During the visit, he interacted with candidates, parents, and centre officials, assuring them of the police command’s commitment to maintaining order and safety throughout the examination period.
CP Ojajuni also commended residents for their kindness in supporting candidates with seating and basic comfort, describing the gesture as a reflection of community spirit. He, however, urged examination authorities to consider the need for additional centres in the area to reduce the pressure on existing facilities.
Mowe, which has experienced rapid population growth in recent years due to its proximity to Lagos, is home to a large number of secondary school graduates seeking admission into tertiary institutions annually.
Education stakeholders in the area have echoed the call for intervention, urging the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to accredit more CBT centres within the town. They argue that increasing the number of centres would not only ease logistical challenges but also reduce the risk of candidates missing their exams due to unforeseen delays.
When contacted, a local school administrator noted that several institutions in Mowe already possess the infrastructure required for CBT accreditation but are yet to be approved.
As the examination season approaches, affected candidates and their families are appealing to JAMB to act swiftly, warning that continued neglect could discourage students and negatively impact their academic pursuits.
For now, many candidates remain uncertain about how they will navigate the challenges, even as acts of kindness from residents and reassurances from security agencies provide temporary relief amid the ongoing difficulties.
No comments:
Post a Comment